Occupational Therapy Assistant

Pineacrescenter; West Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Pine Acres Rehabilitation and Care Center in West Des Moines, IA seeks a dedicated Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to join our therapy team on a per diem basis. You will support the Occupational Therapist in delivering rehab services and assist residents to improve daily living skills.

Responsibilities include documenting sessions, scheduling therapy with nursing staff, and adhering to state and federal regulations and facility policies.

Qualifications

• Current Iowa COTA license is required.
• CPR/BLS certification required.
• Experience in long-term care or rehabilitation preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assists in occupational therapy under the direction of a Licensed OT.
• Interviews residents to determine health status and recovery rate.
• Documents services in the resident's medical record.
• Schedules therapy sessions with nursing staff as instructed by OT or Rehab Director.

Skills

Communication skills

Documentation

Team collaboration

Under supervision of OT

Education

Licensed COTA in Iowa

Graduate of accredited COTA program

Job description

Pine Acres Rehabilitation and Care Center is seeking Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTA) to join our dynamic therapy team!

Available Positions:

• Per Diem (PRN)

Helps residents regain motor skills and improve their physical health to effectively perform daily activities through the use of various therapeutic exercises and activities, only under the direction of the Occupational Therapist, and in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations, standards, the state occupational therapy practice act, and established facility policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Assists in the practice of occupational therapy and activities requiring an understanding of occupational therapy but not requiring advanced training in anatomical, biological, and physical sciences.
• Practices only under the direction of a registered Occupational Therapist
• Interviews new and returning residents to assist the Occupational Therapist in determining their health status and rate of recovery.
• Documents occupational therapy services by charting in the resident's medical record and complies with facility documentation policies.
• Schedules and coordinates therapy sessions with nursing staff as instructed by the Occupational Therapist or Rehabilitation Director.

Qualifications & Certifications

• Current Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) license in the state of Iowa.
• Graduate of an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program.
• CPR/BLS certification (required).
• Knowledge of state and federal regulations, including the Occupational Therapy Practice Act.
• Strong communication and documentation skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively under the direction of an Occupational Therapist.
• Experience in long‑term care or rehabilitation setting preferred.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed primarily in a healthcare facility environment.
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, and lifting up to 25 lbs may be required.
• Exposure to residents with varying physical and cognitive conditions.
• Must adhere to infection control protocols and safety standards.